Pella French Door Locks

From LoveToKnow HomeImprovement

Pella has produced quality products since 1925 and it's evident in the Pella French door locks multi-point locking system.

Protect your home with French door locks.
Protect your home with French door locks.

About Pella French Door Locks

Pella French-hinged patio doors use a multi-point locking system that engages at the top, middle and bottom of the door, plus a thumb turn lock and exterior key lock. A high-security locking system like Pella French door locks takes a little getting used to.

For example, when unlocking, the door you must turn the thumb-turn lock inside or use the key from the outside. To open the door, grasp the handle and push down, then open the door.

It can be a little tricky to engage the multi-point lock, also. First you must close the door and lift up the handle before locking the door. Then to lock the door so that it requires a key to unlock from the outside, either turn the key lock on the exterior or turn the thumb-turn lock inside. Test the door to make sure it is locked.

One word of caution when locking Pella French Doors. You'll want to make sure the door is closed all the way before engaging the three-point locking system. If you don't, chances are good that it will mar the door's finish or the frame's finish. To ensure that you don't do this, make it a habit to close the door flush before engaging the locking system.

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, you can visit your local Lowe's Home Improvement Store to buy factory assembled Pella French doors ready to install. Each door is equipped with this three-point locking system. This efficient arrangement not only secures the door at the head, but also at the jamb and sill and for extra security. An exterior key lock is standard.

Three Pella French Door Styles

Pella offers three design choices for those looking to install French doors. Their wood patio door selection is available in styles and sizes to fit most openings. The attractive wood interiors can then be finished to compliment the woodwork in your home. The exterior of these wood patio doors is specially coated to be durable and doesn't require painting. The three styles available to choose from are:

The Designer Series

  • Exclusive snap-in, between-the-glass window treatments are protected from dirt and dust, which reduces allergens
  • Energy efficient
  • Affordable
  • Low maintenance

Proline

  • Affordable
  • Tilt wash windows
  • Energy efficient
  • Low maintenance
  • Oak threshold

The Architect Series

  • Available in unique shapes and sizes to fit any renovation project
  • Energy efficient
  • Low maintenance

Flushbolt Locking System

If your Designer Series French door has a panel without a handle, a flushbolt locking system is used. To use this system, push in each flushbolt lever. You'll find one lever at the top and another at the bottom of the door. Once you push the lever in, move it up or down to lock and unlock the door. If you peek at the strike plate you'll be able to see when the flushlever is in the locked position.

Hardware Finishes

Pella French door locks and hardware comes in five finishes:

  • Bright brass
  • Satin nickel
  • Oil-rubbed bronze
  • Antique brass
  • Chrome

All of these finishes can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild cleaner, but it's good to note that the oil-rubbed bronze finish is known as a living finish, which develops a unique finish with use.

Number One Replacement Brand

Whether you do the work yourself or have a Pella representative come to measure and install your French Doors, Pella is the number one replacement brand in America. Their multi-point locking system is just one feature that makes these doors desirable. For more information see your local Pella representative, or check the Pella website..



 


Comments

Hi James - Thank you for bringing this french door weakness to our attention. I do hope that Pella remedies the situation.

-- Contributed by: WendyMichaels

Hi Ron - thank you so much for your insight about the french doors. It's always helpful to get first-hand experience feedback from our site visitors.

-- Contributed by: WendyMichaels

04/17/09 I have three pairs of Pella French doors and two single doors, all with full-length glass. The three-point lock is integral to Dade-County-approved Pella HurricaneShield impact-glass doors, so that the whole door, frame and glass, is intruder-resistant. The one weakness is that the vertical rod which operates the top and bottom points of the three-point lock prevents the installation of a second lock. With only one cylinder, and a bumpable one at that, that cylinder is the Achilles heel of an otherwise very secure door system. Replacement of the Pella cylinder with one which cannot be bumped is essential for real security. I have discussed this concern with Pella Customer service, which acknowledged the problem. Pella needs to address this weakness.

-- Contributed by: James Bullock
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